What is another name for AC generators?

AC generators are commonly referred to as alternators. This name originates from the process they perform: generating alternating current (AC) electricity. The core function of an alternator is to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. It achieves this by rotating a conductor within a magnetic field, which induces an alternating electrical current.

The term "alternator" is typically used in automotive contexts, where it refers to the device that charges the battery and powers electrical systems while the engine runs. The other options, such as rectifiers, transformers, and inverters, serve different roles within electrical systems: rectifiers convert AC to DC, transformers change voltage levels of AC, and inverters convert DC to AC. Thus, the name "alternator" is specifically aligned with the nature of AC generation, reinforcing why it is the correct term in this context.